Learning from Great Speakers

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Stage 1 of the research project was carried out this year. This involved analyzing the use of rhetorical techniques in public speeches, employing Rowland's (2019) twelve categories of language strategies. The focus of the first study was on Japanese activists (Naoko Ishii, Shiori Ito, Seena Katayama, and Shiina Tsuyuki) delivering speeches in English. A qualitative analysis of their speeches (after being transcribed yielded several important findings. Firstly, all four speakers (two experienced and two novice speakers) utilized rhetorical techniques (RTs) frequently throughout their speeches. Secondly, interactive RTs were utilized more by the two experienced speakers. Thirdly, simpler RTs, such as parallel structure and repetition, were utilized more frequently. Fourthly, all four speakers utilized a combination of RTs to begin their speeches, typically including rhetorical questions to solicit audience involvement. Finally, irony was the least utilized RT.The findings from this study were published in an international academic journal, and the article is now being considered for publication as a book chapter. The findings were also disseminated at two major international conferences.This initial study will serve as a platform for future studies on other public speakers, which will ultimately feed into the creation of the Learning from Great Speakers (LGS) website to facilitate greater English instruction for High-level English-speaking students (HES).